Impact of COVID-19 on mental health

Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS) has drawn the attention of the government towards the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of people.

Pakistan Psychiatric Society (PPS) that comprises psychiatrists from all over the country has drawn the attention of provincial and federal government on the impact of this COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of the individuals.

PPS President, in an announcement, said that the pandemic ha spread fear and has also disturbed the mental health of not only the infected patients however all the residents of the country.”Immediate steps must be taken in order to deal with the mental health of the people,” he said.

“Thinking about this pandemic, the biological aspect is fundamental however mental and psychological discourse should likewise not be overlooked as there exists no treatment to fight the grave ailment nor any immunization for its prevention,” accentuated Prof. Afridi while talking to the media person

He reminded there had been a built-up linkage between the acute respiratory infection and mental disorders during Influenza and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) during the 1990s.

“Viral infection symptoms, for example, hack and fever may likewise cause intensifying subjective misery and nervousness among individuals because of fear of contracting COVID-19,” included senior psychiatrist repeating that difference in conduct and mental perspectives to watch the setup rules that underscore hand washing, watching cleanliness and keeping up physical separating are basic parts of Behavioral Vaccination.

Dr. Afridi said individuals must be made to understand that social distance is not as much important as personal distancing, yet physical distancing is required and that they can stay into contact with their companions and family members through various methods of online networking.

Referencing that individuals in lockdown regions could be especially pushed and presented to side effects of fluctuated mental clutters as low temperament, insomnia, tension, outrage, crabbiness, enthusiastic depletion, and wretchedness, the PPS President additionally cautioned about post-traumatic stress.

Taking solid exemption to “Coronaphobia” (dread of contracting COVID-19) because of minute inclusion of the sickness and related drama, he said this was making confusion that could have been avoided.

“The in danger bunches for long haul psychological health issues will be the human health workers, who are on the forefront, firmly followed by youngsters under 30, kids, older and those in unstable circumstances inferable from mental illness, and poverty,” he said

In the given circumstance, he said Mental Health must be viewed as a significant piece of “General Health in our nation. “COVID-19 has allowed us a chance to build up a much more grounded and stronger worldwide network that rehearses both physical and mental hygiene,” repeated the PPS President.

By Ahsan Ali

A young motivated person, interested in research and bioenterpreneurship in Pakistan.